- BDR 47 Pink Ladies 14
- Stratford Ladies Blues 41 Shooters Sparks 16
- Stratford Ladies Purples 37 Shooters Flames 29
- Trust Helping Hands 33 Thunderbirds 35
Stratford Ladies Purples played Shooters Flames in Stratford’s first game of 2019. The match was extremely close throughout with only a couple of goals separating the teams in the first three quarters of the game. Flames played particularly well in both the shooting and defensive circles with Naomi Parker’s high shooting percentage earning her players’ player and Lucy White’s strong defensive skills gaining her recognition as umpires’ player. Stratford managed to gain the upper hand, however, in the final quarter with many excellent interceptions in the centre court by players’ player Emily Holmes and umpires’ player Sam Murdoch.
In the other early game, BDR met Pink Ladies in a clean, good natured match. Ami Merens-Dixon had an excellent game, picking up both players’ player and umpires’ player for BDR. Pink Ladies showed good flexibility within their squad by moving around positions and Charlotte Brookes was recognised as players’ player, while Jo Reeves received umpires’ player. While both teams managed to keep the scoreboard ticking over, BDR extended their lead as the match went on to take the full 5 points.
Stratford Ladies and Shooters came up against each other again in the late game when Blues played Sparks. Stratford started strongly and passed with great accuracy throughout the match. Sparks continued to fight hard, however, helped by a great performance from Beth Morgan (umpires’ player). Sparks scored at a steady rate with Rebecca Heath (players’ player) converting well in the shooting circle. Stratford also showed flexibility and high shooting percentages in their attacking circle with Sophie Lockhart, at GS, gaining players’ player. Stratford extended their lead in the second half helped by the excellent defensive skills of Shirley-Anne Lilley.
Meanwhile, Trust Helping Hands and Thunderbirds battled it out on the other court. Trust, playing with just 6 players, worked hard to keep the score close and were aided by Rachel Goodman’s and Lucie Staniland’s excellent efforts moving the ball into the attacking circle. Trust also showed their adaptability when an injury scare left them briefly with 5 players; fortunately, Leonie Green was able to resume her position of GD. Thunderbirds, however, took advantage of their extra player and were able to snatch the win with Lauren Simmonds and Carolyn Stacey taking players’ player and umpires’ player respectively.
Player of the match awards:
- Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires’ player – Shirley-Anne Lilley, players’ player – Sophie Lockhart.
- Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires’ player – Sam Murdoch, players’ player – Emily Holmes.
- Shooters Sparks: Umpires’ player – Beth Morgan, players’ player – Rebecca Heath.
- Shooters Flames: Umpires’ player – Lucy White, players’ player – Naomi Parker.
- Trust Helping Hands: Umpires’ player – Lucie Staniland, players’ player – Rachel Goodman.
- Thunderbirds: Umpires’ player – Carolyn Stacey, players’ player – Lauren Simmonds.
- Pink Ladies: Umpires’ player – Jo Reeves, players’ player – Charlotte Brookes.
- BDR: Umpires’ and players’ player – Ami Merens-Dixon
